David immediately closed his eyes and couldn't care less about the difference in status as he shoved the thing in his hands to Lucian without thinking twice."Oh no, Mr. Northwood, something got into my eyes. It's hurting so much. Can you please check what this is and if it's any useful to you? Please handle it yourself."At this moment, he wished that he was blind. Why was he so unlucky? Why did he have to accept the parcel and open it in front of Mr. Northwood?In the envelope was a photo. The background of the photo was probably a nightclub and its decor must be at least from more than ten years ago.It was so shiny and tacky that anyone who saw it would be blinded. It was a place where the filthy rich would gather.But all these were not important, the most important thing was that the person in the photo was Madam Calista!She was scantily clad and in the embrace of another man. Even though her dress was rather conservative when compared to other skimpy dresses normally seen
Dinner was simple enough to make. The weather had been hot for the past two days and Calista was a little tired of eating out in Aphton. Therefore, she decided to go vegetarian today.She rinsed and cut the vegetables before blanching and dishing them up. She then drizzled some sauce on top. Dinner was ready in less than fifteen minutes.Lucian saw her walking out with two plates of blanched vegetables for dinner. The vegetables still looked raw.He frowned and said, "Is this a token of appreciation for me or animal feed?"Calista took back the plate that she was giving him and said, "I'm sorry this is too simple for you. That's why I asked when you would be free. I'll make a dinner reservation for us at a ten-star restaurant as my token of appreciation."Lucian lowered his volume and, unbelievably, he sounded a little hurt."I didn't say that I didn't want it. Besides, we only have five-star restaurants in the whole of our country.""If I didn't exaggerate it, it wouldn't befit
Calista smiled lightly. Her eyes had a mischievous glimmer, yet she had a mocking smile."Do you think it's a coincidence?" Lucian released her and lifted his hand to tuck in the strands of hair behind her ear, saying, "No, it's not a coincidence. There are plenty of sleazy affairs in this industry, but I have never been involved in any. So don't ask me if I know about anything in the future." "I've only been involved in one, and it's with you. In that case, I was the one who willingly approached you." Lucian rarely sweet-talked. His attempt at flattery was straightforward and passionate, like those letters Hector wrote back in their schooling days. They were filled with poetic phrases. Therefore, she was unsure whether Lucian was confessing his love or answering her question. As she was lost in thought, he had already changed his shoes. "I'll leave first. You did well. You should rest early." She was recently addicted to watching TV dramas and was reminded of how men woul
Calista had already seen Zachary's state before Lucian could cover her eyes. His hands were over his head, and he was curled into a ball. His blood and urine were mixed all over the ground. It was a filthy sight to see. Each time she saw Zachary, he appeared even more miserable and destitute. Calista could no longer remember the proud look he once had as the head of a household. Calista pulled down Lucian's hand that was over her eyes and said, "Let's go." Lucian seized her hand, intertwining their fingers. When he tightened his grip, he felt something sticky on his fingertips. He realized he might have gotten some of Zachary's blood on his hand. He lifted their hands and noticed a red streak on Calista's fair hard. Some blood had also splashed on her face. He frowned, and someone immediately handed him a towel."Mr. Northwood, please clean your hands." Lucian took it, first wiping the blood off Calista's face and hands carefully, then casually wiping his own. There we
Calista disinfected the wound and said, "Hmm, I understand. Anyway, thank you.""They were able to erase all traces of themselves from the scene quickly and get a scapegoat to take the blame. There are no more than ten organizations in Apthon capable of this. I've sent people to watch them, but it might take some time."Apthon wasn't his domain. It wouldn't be easy to unearth the foundations established there over many years.After all, their efforts would be in vain if the mastermind behind the scenes could be uncovered so easily.In this case, they acted quite cautiously and had many backup plans. Lucian was afraid he might alert them if he handled things carelessly.It would make it more difficult to apprehend them in the future. He had to tread carefully, which would take some effort.He suspected even those photos of Calista were somehow connected to these people. However, he couldn't figure out why. Perhaps it was to drive a wedge between them.A wound on Lucian's knuckle
All the way home, Calista could still feel Lucian's heavy gaze on her back. Yara was squatting beside the table, peeling some shrimp in gloves. The meat was neatly arranged aside. She looked over as the door opened to see Calista taking off her shoes. "Why are you in such a rush? Is there someone after you?" Calista glanced at the table. Nothing else had been touched besides the barbeque meat, which had cooled down. "Why aren't you eating?" "I was waiting for you," Yara replied, taking off her gloves to pour a glass of wine for her. "You didn't say you wouldn't be coming back. I can't finish all this food by myself. I was peeling the shrimp while waiting for you. If you had not returned after I'm done, I would have eaten." Calista was a bit thirsty and took a big gulp of the wine."Is this your idea of a diet?" Yara didn't respond well to the comment and began to vent her frustration."I am tired! Do all the people around Lucian have issues like him? They say that buy
Calista had initially intended to get some information from Liam. However, instead of getting anything useful out of him, she had gotten herself into a predicament. "I don't have any room for you here. You'll have to figure something out." Paul's apartment had a one-bedroom layout, and even if there were extra rooms, she couldn't possibly let a stranger like Liam, who didn't know anything about her, move in. "I'm your bodyguard, I have to protect you. How can I do that if I’m not with you every step of the way? I can sleep on the couch."He frowned, realizing that there wasn't any extra room for him here. Calista didn't back down at all."You can buy a tent and set it up outside. I’m just a business associate with the man you mentioned. I haven't even seen his face, and I don't even know if we're talking about the same person. Do you think, under these circumstances, I can trust someone he hired to stay in my home?" The mysterious man must be the man they were referring to. B
Calista ignored him, turned, and went to the bathroom. She vaguely heard a knocking sound, and when she came out, there was a table full of food on the coffee table and a large pile of alcohol on the floor. There were all sorts of alcohol and even cocktail wines. Calista felt that he wasn't here to drink with her. He was probably infuriated with her after being rejected and wanted to murder her with alcohol. She couldn't drink more than five bottles of beer. They would need to call an ambulance after they finish everything. Lucian sent a message to David, "She's angry again." David replied, "Mr. Northwood, did you say something to upset Mrs. Calista again?" He could feel his frustration even through the screen. Lucian pursed his lips. If he hadn't said that, Calista wouldn't have let him in, and he only stated the truth.So he replied, "No." "Mr. Northwood, we need to learn to compliment others and keep our mouths shut. Can you do that?” Lucian was speechless. He imp
Fabian said, "Mr. Ackerman was taken away by the Office of Inspector General this morning. Madam Cameron and the Bark family are reportedly the ones responsible."The Carter Group hadn't broken any laws, nor had they been financially entangled with the Ackermans for over a decade. Still, the long-standing ties between the two families ran deep. If Victor Ackerman had skeletons in his closet, Cade would have a hard time avoiding the fallout.Cade propped his hand against his cheek. "What about my wife?""Madam Cameron…" Fabian had to steel himself to answer Cade. "Madam Cameron left the country. She applied for a long-term visa."Even with reporters hounding him, that sentence rang loud and clear in Cade's ears.A long silence stretched before he let out a quiet, bitter laugh.He had never realized how much Cameron had orchestrated behind his back. The Ackermans or the media could trip him up for now, but her betrayal cut deeper. Every move had been calculated.And the most absur
Cade crossed the room as Cameron, already seated, leaned her cheek against her hand, skimming the menu. "Want a drink?" she asked casually.His heart skipped a beat.Cameron's appearance radiated deliberate perfection. From her flawlessly styled hair and expertly applied makeup to her impeccable outfit and carefully chosen accessories, every detail was considered. Even her expensive "Allure" perfume hinted at a desire to captivate.A private dining room meant for couples with only spouses in each other's company…Given the setup, sharing a drink seemed like an implicit invitation.Cade pressed his lips into a line, trying to ignore the rising curve of a smile. "Sure," he replied, his tone deceptively even. "We'll start with two bottles of Magnolia's Pulpit," Cameron said.Cade choked on his water, coughing as he asked, "Seriously?"Who would start a date with such a strong distilled spirit? With two bottles, no less.Cameron propped up her chin and raised an eyebrow. "Is that
Cameron stared at her screen, where Gale had just sent a single word. "Ready." Her lips curled up involuntarily.Cade noticed the smile. He didn't know who she was messaging, but it irritated him for some reason. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly and asked, "What if the Ackermans refuse to settle?"Cameron didn't bother to answer. She knew Violet and Victor would soon be in hot water, so she hadn't considered the aftermath. However, to Cade, her silence only confirmed his assumptions—she was reckless, unprepared, and acting purely on emotion. He clenched his jaw and finally stopped holding his breath. Then, suddenly, he pulled the car over with a sharp twist of the wheel. "Did you think it through before turning yourself in? What if the psych evaluation comes back clean, and the Ackermans insist on pressing charges? What then? You hurt Mirabelle badly. You think you'll have it easy in prison with the way they dote on her?" In contrast to Cade's exasperation, Cameron remaine
With Cade covering Cameron's mouth, there was no chance for her pointed words to offend anyone in the room. His palm was cool to the touch. It was a sensation she disliked. So, she couldn't help but tilt her head.When Cade noticed her movements, he gently stroked her cheek as if he were calming a child who was throwing a tantrum.Victor spent years in a position of authority, giving him an air of unspoken authority. His gaze hardened, and his lips pressed into a firm line as he watched Cade. "Cade, don't jeopardize the long-standing relationship between our families over a woman.""If that's how you see it." Cade glanced at the door. "Aren't you doing the same for a woman?"Victor snorted contemptuously. "How can a cheap girl who was merely adopted be worth anything compared to Mirabelle?""How is my daughter, a Yorksworth, worth any less than yours?" Blaire stood at the doorway as she took in the occupants of the home with her sharp gaze. She had been feeling restless ever sin
Mirabelle frowned. "Excuse me?"As soon as she finished speaking, Cameron walked up to her, grabbed her by her hair, and forcefully bent her over.Cameron held up the guest list Monica had sent her and shoved it in Mirabelle's face. "Call them. Tell them to be there by 3:00 p.m., or else…"She tightened her grip threateningly. "You can kiss this head of hair goodbye."Mirabelle pressed down on her scalp where it had been pulled, her voice distorted with pain when she spoke."Let go, Cameron! Are you out of your mind?""Didn't I tell you not to involve anyone else in our feud?""Can't take it anymore?"Mirabelle endured the pain of turning her head to flash a disdainful sneer at Cameron."This is just the appetizer. If you go against me, you'll eventually crawl out of Capeton with your tail between your legs. I'll call your business partner right now and pin the catastrophic failure of this event on you…"Seeing Mirabelle's condescending expression brought Cameron back to the
The kiss lifted the dark cloud that hung over Cade's mood over the past few days.The next day, as Fabian brought in documents for him to sign, Cade asked, "When is Cameron's show?"Fabian was taken aback for a split second but quickly replied. Fortunately, he was well-prepared and kept track of Cameron's events for the year in advance."Has the invitation been delivered?"Fabian swallowed, almost wanting to laugh to mock Cade. Given Cade's strained relationship with his wife, Cameron would sooner invite a dog than have him around. However, all Fabian could do was revel in Cade's misery in his mind while keeping a businesslike facade."It was probably already delivered. The front desk brought in a stack of mail yesterday. I haven't sorted it out yet."He had already sorted out the mail this morning. Everything had gone straight to the trash."Clear my schedule for the day. Make reservations at a restaurant for a celebratory dinner.""Yes, sir."On the day of the show, Monica
That was obviously an excuse to get Cade out of the picture. Knowing what Mirabelle had done to Cameron in the past, leaving the two of them alone was out of the question. Besides, it wasn't convenient for him to move the car, so he refused without a second thought."Get the attendant—"However, Cameron cut him off before he could finish."Ms. Ackerman is a guest. You should fulfill her requests if she has any."Cade cast her a cold glance. "Shut up." Why should he dance to Mirabelle's tune?Cameron stared at him. "Run along."He gritted his teeth as rage crossed his face. After a brief pause, he sneered and turned to leave. As soon as the door shut behind him, Mirabelle's calm expression slipped. "Did you make me come here just to show off how much you two love each other?""You call that love? I think we have different definitions of what 'love' is then. He's nothing more than…" Cameron's fingers lightly traced the cup's rim as she smirked and said, "A lap dog.""You fu
Cameron crossed her arms over her chest and gave the bouquet in Cade's hands a nonchalant glance."What are you trying to pull, Mr. Carter?""Fabian said it was Women's Day today.""So what?"There was silence all around. The sound of soothing music could be heard through the door. Cade was silent for a while. "We're not getting a divorce, Cameron."It was the same old topic that Cameron had grown too weary of. She turned around and felt for the cigarette box on the table. There was already a layer of cigarette butts in the ashtray next to it. Judging by the color of the lipstick marks, more than half of them were hers.Cade frowned. He clearly disapproved of her smoking but kept himself from stopping her.Smoke curled from between her lips. The flickering embers of the cigarette reflected in her eyes, softening her indifferent gaze. Through the thin haze, Cameron's lips curled into a wide, unrestrained smile. Every time she smiled in this way, it always filled Cade with a
Cade began unbuckling his belt as he spoke. When it came to this sort of thing, men often had a strong sense of competition, especially in the presence of a woman they were interested in."Such a dark atmosphere isn't right for our situation."Cameron didn't like him to begin. In such a dark atmosphere, there was no telling what kind of grotesque creature she might imagine him to be. It would be strange if she felt attraction for him.She leveled a steady stare at him. Cade's shirt was half undone, showing his tense muscles underneath. Under the influence of alcohol, his skin took on a faint reddish hue. There was a heart-pounding tension in the air as if something was about to ignite. Occasionally, his slightly heavy breaths could be heard."You haven't been working out recently, have you?" Cameron asked.Cade was confused.Cameron pressed her hand against his chest, right below his ribs, and gave it a little push. After a moment, she commented, "Your muscles are a little soft